*Disclaimer – Nope still don't own anything – don't even bother asking.*

The Start of a Journey

"Long time no see Mary."

It couldn't be him…it just couldn't. Here Tristan was, the guy who had tortured her in high school, still using the same nickname for her, and she hadn't even recognized him…Even worse, she had actually liked what she was seeing. I mean come on this was Tristan for goodness sakes.

He had gone back to reading his newspaper, and flipping a page, commented, "I didn't know I still had that affect on you Mary; duly noted."

Crap, so she had been staring...Oh well, she wasn't going to let him get the best of her. Wasn't going to let him get under her skin, torment her. Couldn't they both just be mature? 23 and Tristan was still acting like a junior in high school. She really wasn't going to…damn it, her face wasn't listening as it began to turn a light shade of pink and continued to defy orders as it moved on to a crimson.

Rory sighed and gave in. "So Tristan, what have you been up to all these years?"

"Oh you know, the usual – womanizing, stealing, being your regular hoodlum.

She laughed nervously. "Right, and during the daytime?"

Tristan nonchalantly replied. "Setting the final details on my take over of the company for when my father decides to retire. It wasn't my first choice for a job, but it pays well, and I get to hand select my secretaries so it's all good."

Rory grimaced with the last words and retorted, "I'm sure you really enjoy getting to know your female employees."

"Contrary to what you might be thinking, once I get a good secretary, I tend to keep it professional. Wouldn't want to lose one to a personal relationship gone bad."

"That's a better policy than it could be."

"I'm glad that you're impressed Mary. It might be the first time you've admitted it."

"Don't get too big a head," Rory replied indignantly.

"Ok, I'll stop. But only ever for you Mary."

She sighed, and turned back to the book she was reading. Rory was intent on not letting Tristan ruin her long-awaited homecoming.

3 hours later, and Rory was making a hasty getaway to the baggage claim. She hoped that losing Tristan would be possible within the crowd. Of course, as today just wasn't her day, he'd kept an annoyingly close watch on her – even offering to carry her bag. Talk about high school relationship stereotype.

Rory had gotten her bag. Correction – Tristan had stepped in at the last moment and effortlessly lifted her 30-lb. suitcase to the ground. She was walking out to the line of taxis, taking out the money for the driver, explaining her destination…she was in the car – almost. So much for quick escape. Tristan had managed to stick his head in the open window and was now asking for – a phone number. Well really he was asking for Rory's number, but she decided to ignore that part and just stick with the a number section.

Ok, if he wanted a number, he was going to get one. Rory laughed to herself as she recited off the number she knew so well, thinking of the fun phone call to come. She then completely slid in and re-shut the door. The driver sped away, leaving Tristan rubbing his head in amazement at his luck.

Ok, there was your slightly longer real first chapter. Woo, an even better chance to make up your mind if you like this story or not. Anyways, I'm reeaaally looking forward to getting into the body of this story – I'm seeing it going very far if I keep on updating. Please please please review for me – they're one of the things that motivate me to keep writing and posting. There ya are, hope you enjoyed it!